Hookah Bowl and Capsule

ABSTRACT

A removable, universal base bowl and stem combination for attaching to a hookah pipe, and a pre-packaged, disposable capsule with the molasses. Included is a container product for use with a hookah pipe, comprising: a base including a base bowl; a stem, the stem being a hollow cylinder having an outer surface and an inner surface, and, a capsule including molasses therein, the capsule shaped to fit within the base bowl. The base bowl has an upwardly extending curved wall, the curved wall culminating at an upper edge; and, a hole at an intersection of the base bowl and the stem curved wall. The capsule bowl includes a capsule bowl including a capsule bowl edge, the capsule bowl further including a perforated bottom surface and a continuous side wall extending upwardly therefrom to the capsule bowl edge.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 62/448,311, filed Jan. 19, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to hookah bowls, in particular, to a container product including a hookah bowl and disposable capsule.

Description of the Related Art

Hookah preparation typically requires placing a flavored substance, such as tobacco or tobacco-free fibers flavored with molasses and other flavors (hereafter collectively, “molasses”) in a bowl with an open top and a perforated bottom extending down to a stem. The top of the bowl is then covered with aluminum foil and the aluminum foil is perforated. Burning coals are placed on the aluminum foil. The user draws air heated by the coals through the bowl containing the molasses and the flavored air is drawn through the stem to the rest of the hookah.

The prior art system and method outlined above is problematic for a number of reasons. First, the prior art process is time-consuming because of the multiple steps required to prepare the hookah. Second, the prior art system and method requires multiple supplies and/or components. For example, a supply of properly sized aluminum foil is required. In addition, the molasses is typically stored in containers that are exposed to air, light, and varying humidity every time the container is opened. Third, the prior art system and method cannot be used to produce a consistent product. For example, the prior art system and method requires manual handling of the molasses and perforating the aluminum foil and therefore, the risk of over or under-filling the bowl and over or under-perforating the aluminum foil exist. Thus, the prior art does not provide a consistent user experience. Fourth, the prior art system and method requires additional maintenance of the bowl. That is, because the molasses is deposited directly into the bowl, the used molasses must be manually removed from the bowl after each use. Thus, cleaning of the bowl is required after every use, which is time-consuming and messy.

Therefore, a need exists for an improved system and method for using a hookah bowl. More specifically, a need exists for a hookah bowl and capsule system that: is faster to install; does not require additional equipment; does not require manual handling of the molasses; provides consistency; is easy to clean; and enables more optimal storing conditions for the molasses.

The present invention solves the inherent problems of the prior art and provides further advantages, which are described in more detail below.

SUMMARY

The instant invention, in summary, comprehends, a removable universal base bowl and stem combination for attaching to a hookah pipe. The present invention also provides a pre-packaged, disposable capsule with the molasses.

Accordingly, included is a container product for use with a hookah pipe, comprising: a base including a base bowl; a stem, the stem being a hollow cylinder having an outer surface and an inner surface, the stem terminating at a top end, the top end connected to the base bowl; and, a capsule including molasses therein, the capsule shaped to fit within the base bowl. The base bowl has an upwardly extending curved wall, the curved wall culminating at an upper edge; and, a hole at an intersection of the base bowl and the stem curved wall. The capsule bowl includes a capsule bowl including a capsule bowl edge, the capsule bowl further including a perforated bottom surface and a continuous side wall extending upwardly therefrom to the capsule bowl edge.

A lid having a lid edge and a perforated top surface having perforations defined therein, attaches to the capsule bowl edge. The perforations are sufficiently air-permeable but also sufficiently small to contain the molasses below the perforated top surface while containing coal above the perforated top surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a base of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the base of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a capsule bowl of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the capsule bowl of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a capsule lid of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the capsule lid of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a capsule of the present invention with a top sticker;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the capsule of FIG. 7 with a bottom sticker;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the capsule of FIG. 7 with a top sticker partially detached;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the capsule of FIG. 7 with the top sticker detached;

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the capsule of FIG. 7 with the top sticker detached from the top lid and a bottom sticker partially detached;

FIG. 12 is a right side view of the capsule of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a left side view of the capsule of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a left bottom perspective view of the capsule of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is right bottom perspective view of the capsule of FIG. 11;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the capsule of the present invention in use;

FIG. 17 is a top view of an embodiment of a capsule of the present invention with a top sticker fully attached thereto;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the capsule of the present invention with the top and bottom stickers partially detached;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the present invention with an embodiment of a capsule of the present invention engaged with a base of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the capsule-base combination of FIG. 19 in use; and

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a hookah pipe with the capsule and base of the present invention installed thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Exemplary embodiments are described herein to provide a detailed description of the present disclosure. Variations of these embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The article “a” is intended to include one or more items, and where only one item is intended the term “one” or similar language is used. Additionally, to assist in the description of the present invention, words such as top, bottom, side, upper, lower, front, rear, inner, outer, right and left are used to describe the accompanying figures. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

The invention generally comprises three sub-assemblies which form the container product, namely a base, a stem and a capsule as herein referenced and shown. Referring then to FIGS. 1-2, an embodiment of the base 1 of the present invention comprises a base bowl 2 and a stem 4 attached to the bottom of the base bowl 2. The base bowl 2 includes an upwardly extending curved wall 3 which culminates at an upper edge 5. The base bowl 2 comprises a defined hole (not shown) at the intersection of the base bowl 2 and the stem 4. The stem 4 is a hollow cylinder that preferably tapers toward a top end 7 thereof.

The base bowl 2 may be made of a ceramic, aluminum, steel or other heat-resistant material. The stem 4 may be made of the same materials as the base bowl 2 as well as rubber, silicone, or other heat-resistant material with low heat conductivity that is capable of providing an air-tight seal when attached to a hookah pipe 200, as shown for example in FIG. 19.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the exemplar embodiment, the base bowl 2 is circular and an inner surface 8 and an outer surface 6 of the stem 4 are cylindrical. In an alternative embodiment, the outer surface 6 of the stem 4 may be of a different shape. In a further embodiment, the stem 4 further comprises an outer shell 6 of a different material. For example, the stem 4 could be provided with an insulated material on the outer surface 6 to protect the user from handling the stem 4 when it is heated after use. The outer shell 6 may also be integrally formed with the base bowl 2. The stem 4 may also be fixed or removable. The stem 4 may attach to the base bowl 2 by frictional force, threaded engagement, or attached by other means that provide a substantially airtight seal between the base bowl 2 and the stem 4. The top of the stem 4 may also attach to the bottom of the base bowl 2 or extend into the base bowl 2, as shown for example in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 3-18, the capsule 100 of the present invention comprises a capsule bowl 10 integrally formed with a lid 20. In a sealed, unused configuration, the capsule includes a top sticker 30 covering the lid 20 and a bottom sticker 40 covering a bottom portion of the capsule bowl 10, shown for example in FIGS. 7 and 8. The top and bottom stickers 30, 40 include adhesive on inner surfaces thereof for securing to the lid 20 and bottom portion of the capsule bowl 10, respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the capsule bowl 10 comprises a perforated bottom surface 12 and a continuous side wall 16 extending upwardly therefrom to a capsule bowl edge 18, which circumscribes the lid 20. The perforations of the bottom surface 12 are sized such that it is sufficiently air-permeable but also sufficiently small to contain molasses above.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the lid 20 comprises a flat perforated top surface 22, a circular groove 24 encircling the perforations of the top surface 22, and a lid edge 14. The lid edge 14 is attached to the capsule bowl edge 18 of the capsule bowl 10 by crimping, soldering, adhesive, or other means of creating a substantially air-tight seal. The groove 24 helps to prevent the coals from falling off the lid 20 and also helps to contain ashes generated from the used coal.

In the exemplar embodiment the lid edge 14 is attached to the capsule bowl edge 18 by means of crimpling. Instead of using an adhesive or plastic to attach the capsule bowl 10 and lid 20 by heat sealing, crimping is advantageous because toxic fumes are not generated when the capsule 100 is in use due to the heat generated by burning coal. Machine crimping creates a permanent seal that prevents tampering with the contents of the capsule 100, providing users with a measure of safety and preventing the capsule 100 from being used for unauthorized purposes. Again, the perforations of the top surface 22 are sized such that it is sufficiently air-permeable but also sufficiently small to contain molasses below and coal above.

In an alternative embodiment, the lid 20 lacks a groove 24 and is attached directly to the capsule bowl 10 either at the capsule bowl edge 18 or to an inner surface of the capsule bowl side wall 16. In this configuration, the capsule could be shaped and sized such that it is mounted to and positioned in the base bowl 2 below an upper edge 5 so that the coals cannot fall off the lid 20 and ashes from used coal are contained within the base bowl 2.

The capsule bowl 10 and lid 20 may be made of aluminum, steel, or other rigid heat resistant material. The rigidity provides structural integrity and prevents the capsule 100 from deforming or tearing during storage and handling, including during the process of removing the stickers 30, 40. It also ensures that no additional perforations are created and existing perforations 12, 22 are not enlarged, thus providing a consistent product and user experience.

The top and bottom stickers 30, 40 may be made of aluminum or other air-tight material. In addition, the stickers may be coated with polyurethane or other material to provide tear resistance. As these stickers 30, 40 will be removed before use, there is no risk of burning unwanted material. Furthermore, in the present invention, the appropriate adhesive is used such no adhesive is adhered to the capsule 100 during use.

In the exemplar embodiment, the capsule bowl 10 and lid are circular but other shapes and sizes are also possible. It is preferred, however, that the base bowl 2 is similarly sized and shaped as the capsule 100 such that the engagement between the aforesaid is substantially air-tight.

In operation, the capsule 100 of the present invention 20 is manufactured with molasses (not shown) placed between the lid 20 and the capsule bowl 10. The molasses could take on a variety of forms with a variety of flavors. The top sticker 30 is removably attached to the top of the lid 20 such that the perforations thereof are contained by the top sticker 30. The bottom sticker 40 is removably attached to the bottom surface 12 of the capsule bowl 10 such that the perforations thereof are contained by the bottom sticker 40. The top and bottom stickers 30, 40 are removably attached by adhesive or other means that provide an air-tight seal. When the top and bottom stickers 30, 40 are attached, an air-tight space is created between the lid 10 and the capsule bowl 20. The air in the space can be displaced with an inert gas to extend the life of the content.

Referring to FIGS. 17-21, to install the present invention, the stem 4 of the base 1 is placed over a top of a hookah pipe 200 (as shown in FIG. 21). The size, tapering, and material of the stem 4 enables it to fit on the vast majority of existing hookah pipes 200. Next, the top and bottom stickers 30, 40 of the capsule 100 are removed (as shown by the arrows in FIG. 18) and the capsule 100 is inserted into the base bowl 2 (as shown in by the arrows in FIG. 19). Finally, burning coals 300 are placed on top of the capsule 100 and the user engages the hookah pipe (as shown in FIG. 20).

The used capsule 100 could be removed by disengaging the base 1 from the hookah pipe 200 and positioning the base 1 upside down such that the capsule 100 disengages the base 1. Alternatively, the capsule 100 could be removed manually without removing the base 1 from the hookah pipe 200.

In an alternative embodiment, the capsule bowl side wall 16 could be provided with an outwardly extending flange while an inner surface of the base bowl wall 3 could be provide with an inwardly extending flange such that the capsule is secured to the base bowl through the engagement of the respectively flanges while still providing a substantially air-tight seal. In another embodiment, the outer surface of the capsule bowl side wall 16 and the inner surface of the base bowl wall 3 could be provided with matching threads for a threaded engagement.

Although this invention has been described in its exemplary forms with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example and numerous changes in the details of the construction and arrangement of parts may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention will be, therefore, indicated by claims of a subsequent non-provisional application rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

I claim:
 1. A container product for use with a hookah pipe, comprising: a base including a base bowl; a stem, said stem being a hollow cylinder having an outer surface and an inner surface, said stem terminating at a top end, said top end connected to said base bowl; and, a capsule including molasses therein, said capsule shaped to fit sufficiently airtight within said base bowl.
 2. The container product of claim 1, wherein said base, further comprises: a base bowl having an upwardly extending curved wall, said curved wall culminating at an upper edge; and, a hole at an intersection of said base bowl and said stem curved wall.
 3. The container product of claim 1, wherein said capsule, further comprises: a capsule bowl including a capsule bowl edge, said capsule bowl further including a perforated bottom surface and a continuous side wall extending upwardly therefrom to said capsule bowl edge.
 4. The container product of claim 3, further including a lid, said lid including a lid edge and a perforated top surface having perforations defined therein, said lid edge attached to said capsule bowl edge.
 5. The container product of claim 4, wherein said perforations are sufficiently air-permeable but also sufficiently small to contain said molasses below said perforated top surface while containing coal above said perforated top surface.
 6. The container product of claim 4, wherein said lid includes a circular groove defined therein encircling said perforations of said perforated top surface.
 7. The container product of claim 4, further comprising a top sticker covering said lid and a bottom sticker covering a bottom portion of the capsule bowl.
 8. A container product for use with a hookah pipe, comprising: a base; a stem attached to said base; said base, further comprising: a base bowl having an upwardly extending curved wall, said curved wall culminating at an upper edge; a hole at an intersection of said base bowl and said stem curved wall; a capsule including molasses therein, said capsule shaped to fit within said base bowl.
 9. The container product of claim 8, wherein said stem is a hollow cylinder having an outer surface and an inner surface, said stem terminating at a top end, said top end connected to said base bowl.
 10. The container product of claim 8, wherein said capsule, further comprises: a capsule bowl including a capsule bowl edge, said capsule bowl further including a perforated bottom surface and a continuous side wall extending upwardly therefrom to said capsule bowl edge.
 11. The container product of claim 10, further including a lid including a lid edge and a perforated top surface having perforations defined therein, said lid edge attached to said capsule bowl edge.
 12. The container product of claim 11, wherein said perforations are sufficiently air-permeable but also sufficiently small to contain said molasses below said perforated top surface while containing coal above said perforated top surface.
 13. The container product of claim 11, wherein said lid includes a circular groove defined therein encircling said perforations of said perforated top surface.
 14. The container product of claim 11, further comprising a top sticker covering said lid and a bottom sticker covering a bottom portion of the capsule bowl.
 15. A container product for use with a hookah pipe, comprising: a capsule including molasses therein, said capsule shaped to fit within a base bowl, said capsule further comprising: a capsule bowl including a capsule bowl edge, said capsule bowl further including a perforated bottom surface and a continuous side wall extending upwardly therefrom to said capsule bowl edge; a lid including a lid edge and a perforated top surface having perforations defined therein, said lid edge attached to said capsule bowl edge; and, a top sticker covering said lid and a bottom sticker covering a bottom portion of the capsule bowl.
 16. The container product of claim 15, further comprising a stem, said stem being a hollow cylinder having an outer surface and an inner surface, said stem terminating at a top end.
 17. The container product of claim 16, further comprising a base, said base, further comprising: said base bowl having an upwardly extending curved wall, said curved wall culminating at an upper edge, said top end connected to said base bowl.
 18. The container product of claim 15, wherein, said perforations are sufficiently air-permeable but also sufficiently small to contain said molasses below said perforated top surface while containing coal above said perforated top surface.
 19. The container product of claim 15, wherein said lid includes a circular groove defined therein encircling perforations of said perforated top surface said capsule bowl.
 20. The container product of claim 17, wherein an engagement between said capsule and said base bowl is sufficiently air-tight. 